But after a string of poor results, including back-to-back defeats to rivals Barcelona and a Champions League exit at the hands of Ajax, Real have opted to replace Solari with their former boss with immediate effect.

The club announced that Solari, who made nearly 150 appearances for Real as a player in the early 2000s before returning to the club in 2013 as youth coach, has been offered the chance to stay at the club.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “The Real Madrid board of directors, which met today, Monday 11 March 2019, has decided to terminate Santiago Solari’s contract as first-team coach, whilst Real Madrid have offered him the opportunity to remain at the club.

Zinedine Zidane, right, is back at Real (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Real Madrid wish to thank Solari for his work, commitment and the loyalty that he has always displayed towards this club, which is his home.

“The board of directors also agreed on the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of Real Madrid with immediate effect for the remainder of the season and the next three campaigns, until 30 June 2022.